Episode 4: Empathy through Virtual Reality

I believe that stories create empathy. I believe that learning about others’ experiences makes us better able to understand their lives. When we go to other places either by listening to a story, reading a book, or watching a documentary, we strengthen our connections with other people and places. But what if we could, through virtual reality, literally (or virtually) put ourselves in someone else’s shoes? Is virtual reality the next evolution in storytelling? What are the impacts of removing the perspective of a storyteller from the experience?

Zac Murphy has made it his life’s work to explore the power of film and virtual reality to create positive changes in the world. He inspires me. Rather than accept the way things are, Zac is constantly looking for ways to use his talents for good. From saving elephants from landmines to preventing cardiac arrest deaths, he is constantly trying to make a difference. His passion and creativity come across in our conversation.

In this episode, we’re going to talk about some of Zac’s projects and about how he discovered his career. We’ll also talk about his transition from a commercial filmmaker to documentary filmmaker and VR enthusiast. It involves a terrifying experience in a National Park.

I hope you enjoy the episode. Personally, Zac’s stories serve as an inspiration to use whatever gifts I have to make a difference and to never settle for the way things are.